What is magic?
15 August, 2024
Helder Guimaraes' writes in his excellent book Secret Language Vol. 1, and I'm paraphrasing here, your answer to the question "What is magic", defines you as a magician. I think that's quite an interesting way to think about it.
I thought about how I would define magic, and after a long session with a thinking cap on, I came up with this:
When something impossible, that cannot be explained with reason, happens, but not in reality, instead in the minds of those who are there to witness it, that's magic.
That's quite a mouthful.
That also raises more questions than it gives answers at the moment. But I'm sure those questions will be answered at somepoint in time.
What is magic to you? How would you define it?
I sometimes say this after my performance: "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Without you, there is only sleight of hand and illusion, but not magic. Thank you for creating the magic."
A bit corny, but I like it.
- Max Arcanie